Foundryside

A Novel

by Robert Jackson Bennett

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Pub Date Aug 21 2018 | Archive Date Oct 21 2023

Sci Fi & Fantasy

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Description

"The exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series. Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists."—Brandon Sanderson

“Complex characters, magic that is tech and vice versa, a world bound by warring trade dynasties: Bennett will leave you in awe once you remember to breathe!”—Tamora Pierce

In a city that runs on industrialized magic, a secret war will be fought to overwrite reality itself—the first in a dazzling new series from City of Stairs author Robert Jackson Bennett.

Sancia Grado is a thief, and a damn good one. And her latest target, a heavily guarded warehouse on Tevanne’s docks, is nothing her unique abilities can’t handle.

But unbeknownst to her, Sancia’s been sent to steal an artifact of unimaginable power, an object that could revolutionize the magical technology known as scriving. The Merchant Houses who control this magic—the art of using coded commands to imbue everyday objects with sentience—have already used it to transform Tevanne into a vast, remorseless capitalist machine. But if they can unlock the artifact’s secrets, they will rewrite the world itself to suit their aims.

Now someone in those Houses wants Sancia dead, and the artifact for themselves. And in the city of Tevanne, there’s nobody with the power to stop them.

To have a chance at surviving—and at stopping the deadly transformation that’s under way—Sancia will have to marshal unlikely allies, learn to harness the artifact’s power for herself, and undergo her own transformation, one that will turn her into something she could never have imagined.

Advance Praise

"The exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series. Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists."
—Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Oathbringer

“Complex characters, magic that is tech and vice versa, a world bound by warring trade dynasties: Bennett will leave you in awe once you remember to breathe!”
--Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter

“Intricate worldbuilding, fascinating magic, and engaging characters. More please!”
—Felicia Day, New York Times bestselling author of You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)

“In Foundryside, scriving magic is the cheat code to reality, and Bennett is a master gamer. A refreshing look at magic—featuring a heroine every reader will root for—from one of the smartest writers I know.”
—Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author of The Demon Cycle

“Inventive, immersive, and thrilling, Foundryside is a fascinating look at how our best intentions can be corrupted—and how wickedly awesome and terrifying gravity belts can be. Do yourself a favor and pick this up.”
—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles

"Fast-paced, intelligent, and fun with a fantastically cool magic system. I can't wait to read the next one."
—Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage trilogy

"Foundryside pulls you in with fast-paced heists, then knocks you down with its innovative magic system. Fun, thoughtful, and thrilling from cover to cover, it's sword-and-sorcery meets computer programming."
—James L. Sutter, co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game

"Bennett spins a marvelous tale reminiscent of Sanderson. Foundryside is a gripping story with clever characters, intriguing plot, and spectacular worldbuilding."
—Charlie Holmberg, author of the Paper Magician series

“The best epic fantasy of the year is also the best cyberpunk of the year. How often do you get to say that?”
—Dan Wells, author of I Am Not a Serial Killer

“An irresistible, fast-paced adventure that welcomes even non-fantasy fans into its pages, unveiling a remarkable world of magic and intrigue. With non-stop twists, a compelling cast of characters, and an innovative magic system, Foundryside is an altogether terrific read.”
—Sebastian de Castell, author of The Greatcoats series